The estimated £100,000-worth of fake goods seized in a raid on a car-boot sale at Bingley shows just how great the practice of counterfeiting has become. Although Bingley isn't by most standards a particularly large car-boot sale, the squad of police, trading-standards officers and special constables still managed to unearth a staggering number of fake items.

What is more, after the arrest of five men, raids on a number of homes revealed enough copying equipment to create 40 discs every 30 seconds, including some of the very latest movies which have not yet been officially released in the DVD format.

It's a heinous crime preying on ordinary people who in all good faith visit car-boot sales in search of bargains as much as a form of entertainment and fun as to score some great finds.

It must be remembered that car-boot sales have their roots in charity events and are an extension of the garage and attic sales at which unwanted items were unloaded at knock-down prices to raise money for good causes.

It's a great shame that things have taken such a sinister turn and that those seeking innocent enjoyment in bargain hunting now have to be extremely careful. They will no doubt welcome the pledge by the organisers at Bingley to work with the authorities to stamp out these illegal traders and get rid of the goods they tout.

But there is also a duty on members of the public to keep an eye out for illegal items and use their common sense. At the end of the day, the best way to beat the cheats is not to buy from them.